“Curiosity has no morality. It may perhaps be the most immoral desire that humans possess.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
- He became a representative figure of postwar Japanese literature, and was highly acclaimed both at home and abroad. He pursued his own unique aesthetic with themes of beauty and death, and ultimately committed seppuku at a Self-Defense Forces garrison. His life, which combined literature with action, continues to have a strong influence today.
Japanese
「好奇心には道徳がないのである。もしかするとそれは人間のもちうるもっとも不徳な欲望かもしれない」
English
“Curiosity has no morality. It may perhaps be the most immoral desire that humans possess.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima argues that curiosity, by its very nature, is amoral—it is not bound by moral considerations or ethical constraints. Curiosity is a desire to explore, to understand, and to know without regard for the consequences or the moral implications of seeking knowledge. Mishima suggests that this unchecked pursuit of understanding could be seen as a flawed or even immoral desire, as it often disregards the harm or disruption it might cause in the pursuit of truth or discovery. Curiosity can lead to intrusion, violation, or even destruction, as it unleashes the individual from the moral bounds that typically govern their actions, encouraging them to push beyond social norms or ethical limits in their quest for knowledge.
Mishima’s statement reflects his broader concern with the lack of restraint in modern society, where the pursuit of knowledge and curiosity often outweigh the consideration of moral consequences. In his view, curiosity, when allowed to flourish without moral guidance, becomes a dangerous force that can lead individuals down paths that ultimately result in destruction or alienation. By calling curiosity the “most immoral desire,” Mishima suggests that the unquestioned pursuit of knowledge—without regard for the ethical costs—can undermine deeper human values and lead to an unethical disregard for the well-being of others or society.
In a modern context, this quote prompts reflection on the ethics of knowledge and the moral responsibilities that come with the pursuit of understanding in today’s world. While curiosity drives much of scientific progress, technological development, and personal growth, Mishima’s words encourage us to consider the potential harm that unchecked curiosity can cause, whether in the realm of scientific experimentation, personal privacy, or cultural exploration. Mishima’s critique calls for a balance between the insatiable desire to know and the ethical or moral frameworks that should guide how we seek and use knowledge, emphasizing the need to recognize the dangers of knowledge when it is pursued without a sense of responsibility or respect for its consequences.
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